recognises PR professionals who have demonstrated an understanding of how they can most effectively work with the IT media. This is a “journalist choice” award, and is based on votes provided by journalists who are asked to nominate three PR professionals based on their interactions during the previous year.

Nominations are based on the following criteria: 1. Their understanding of the journalist’s publication, audience and information requirements, via the pitching of relevant, useful and interesting story leads; 2. Their understanding of the journalist’s workflows and deadlines, via effective and non-invasive interactions; 3. Their record in responding promptly, efficiently and fairly to journalists enquiries and requests 4. Their record in thinking creatively to attract journalist’s attention and enhance the journalist/PR interaction; 5. Ethical conduct.

As there is only one PR award for this journo gala, you can imagine how chuffed I was when my name was called up and was presented with this award and trophy (and a bottle of winner’s gin!):

Mike Woodcock (MediaConnect) & I

It was a fantastic night. Some of the best technology and gaming journalists in one room celebrating some of the best work in 2014. Especially when there was free-flowing gin going around!